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Commanders rookie Josh Conerly calls draft day a 'God-given opportunity'

Josh Conerly's NFL dream came true when the Washington Commanders called his name on draft night.

Joanne Coley

Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. speaks during Oregon football’s media day Monday, July 29, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. speaks during Oregon football’s media day Monday, July 29, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
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ASHBURN, Va. — Draft day is a moment players dream about for years, hoping all their sacrifices will pay off when their name flashes across the screen. That dream became reality for Josh Conerly when the Washington Commanders selected him with the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

When asked what the moment meant to him, Conerly had one answer: God.

“Man, it's a God-given opportunity, you know what I mean?” Conerly said in an interview. “And I got to thank God first before anything. Honestly, was I expecting it? Yeah, because I was ready to go. But yeah—nah, it's not a given opportunity, man.”

Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.
Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Now, the former Oregon standout is preparing for a coast-to-coast move—from Washington state to the nation’s capital.

“It means the world to me,” Conerly said when asked about the chance to block for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. “A Heisman Trophy winner, somebody I looked up to. Just someone that went from the Pac-12, went to the SEC, did big things… and I’m looking forward to the opportunity just to get out there and block for one of the best.”

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle started 26 games over two seasons at Oregon, allowing just one sack and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and third-team All-American by the Associated Press.

With a locker waiting for him in Ashburn, Conerly can now turn the page—from the goal of being drafted to the mission of earning his spot.  

READ MORE: Commanders rival Eagles trade with Super Bowl rival Chiefs in NFL Draft

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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• Commanders could trade No. 29 pick to NFC rival

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Joane Coley
JOANNE COLEY

Joanne Coley, from Prince George’s County, MD, is a communications professional passionate about storytelling and sports. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Kent State University and a Master’s in Communications/Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2018, she has served as Communications Manager at the Council of the Great City Schools. A foodie and traveler, Joanne is also a former state champion in high school shotput and standout athlete in softball.

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